An American Classic...
Gary McFarland, his short life (died in his prime in 1971) and short lived label Skye Records (68-70) was oft dismissed as MOR elevator music, an unfair characterization based on a couple albums that were less than cutting edge (mostly the soft samba ones with partners Cal Tjader and Gabor Szabo). This release however (in my opinion)... is a pinnacle of jazz arranging that captured the essence of the 60's jazz/fusion experimentation (with the likes of the Gil Evans / Miles Davis efforts such as "Sketches of Spain" and George Russell's stunning "Electronic Sonata for Souls Loved by Nature"). An overlooked materpiece, not to be missed. Other underappreciated arrangers include the Canadian Phil Nimmons ("The Canadian Scene") and european classical & jazz composer Frederich Gulda ("Music for 3 Soloists & Band") ... all worth seeking out.
